System Administrator salary... could I make this much?

Question

I currently work for a help desk and over the last 4 years, went from help desk analyst, to senior analyst, to junior systems engineer. I have spent 40 hours/week of my life studying on my own time over the last few years and I have very good knowledge in...

VMWARE (I am working very close with the engineers now regarding and helping them test and implement this throughout the company.)
Server 2008/Exchange07/Vista I know extensively and consider myself a guru.
Cisco knowledge (I got CCNA and CCNP mastered, and pretty close with CCVP and CCSP) although I dont have the certifications, I know for a fact I have equivalent knowledge in the subjects.
Others that I know extensively about are Web languages and designing.

I have spent large chunks of time managing and supervising the help desk personell during times of change in staff, and I have received alot of respect from that because I have a different stance on managing compared to alot of other managers. Everything gets done, just not as micromanaged.

Question is that I currently make 55000/year with my current position and I know I am getting a ride and definately not enough. I really have to make about 80-82000/year to make it. I have alot of debt from medical bills and money that I have given out to my family over the years and I have to make this much to just "make it".
What is my best bet? Should I go through a staffing company or should I look my self. Should I look for a smaller company with lets say 50 people, or a huge company? The only thing requirement I dont want to have in a job is traveling.

Thanks

Answer 1

First, you will decide what is best for you.

Your salary could be increased by spending a few hundred, and the return is thousands.



CCNA Test $250.00 Pearson Vue, salary increase to 62- 70k

some companies will (in attempt to keep a valuable employee) pay for the schooling, testing, or both.



If you feel that a new job is needed and unhappy at your current employ, consider the 100,000 that are unemployed, with medical bills, car, and or house payments. with no jobs available.



Good Luck.

Answer 2

You probably want to go ahead and get the certs for the Cisco stuff... When you look for a job most people do not know you or your capabilites so they rely on the certifications to at least show you had mastered the materials well enough to pass a certified test (grin - I am in the same boat).



Once you have the certs you can approach your current company as a possible method to "move up" with an increase in pay or pursue other companies with the background you currently have and the certifications to prove it - you will have experience AND the certs which someone who had only entered the job market will not.



You can also "free-lance", help others during your off hours for pay - something to think about.



Just some thoughts...



Oh yea - alway show confidence in what you know! If you don't know - don't try to bluff through - that is the worst thing someone can do as most likely the person giving the interview has enough knowledge to recognize a con when they hear it!!! Best way I know to lose a potental job!



gm...

http://www.wifi-shopping.net

Answer 3

you're in the right track. get the certification(s), look around, network. medical bills will be there. your regard for your family is what is driving you to reach your goal (keep it up, you have long began to reap the fruits of your endeavor and not too many people have achieved same. do take the time to relax and enjoy it. when was the last time you saw a movie?)



travelling may be a hassle for now but give it a chance. you may find that change may not be bad at all.

Answer 4

For fresher starts from 6 thousand. Sometimes even less than 6 thousand.